Jacob Sybesma
Jun 23, 2025
Jacob “Jake” Sybo Sybesma, age 94, died on June 23, 2025. Born March 9, 1931, in Winsum, Netherlands, to parents Hilbrand and Geertje (Ettema) Siebesma. Jake grew up during WWII, with Germany invading Netherlands in 1940. As a child, he saw Jewish classmates disappear, trains transporting Jewish people to the concentration camps and war planes flying overhead. Netherlands was liberated...
Rose Robertson
Jun 22, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rose Violet Robertson, who went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2025, at the age of 50. Born on January 9, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, Rose was a vibrant and spirited woman whose love, laughter, and light touched all who had the joy of knowing her.
She was the beloved...
Norma Charlene Flora
Jun 21, 2025
Norma Charlene Flora, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on March 29, 1936 in Kalamazoo, MI. Norma was the daughter of John and Helen (Schoff) Elsey. Norma lived a rich and fulfilling life dedicated to her family, her faith, and her community.
A proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High...
Dorothy Kendall
Jun 21, 2025
Dorothy Mary Kendall, 94, died unexpectedly June 21, 2025, at Corewell Hospital in Greenville, Michigan. She was born August 23, 1930, in Warrington, England, the daughter of John Reginald and Priscilla Haslam.
Dorothy married Nelson F Myers, Sr., in Warrington April 16, 1949. She arrived in the United States 1949 and was a citizen November 7, 1961.
In addition to her parents,...
Claudia Ruth Burgess
Jun 20, 2025
Claudia Ruth Burgess, 85, of Vicksburg, Michigan, away peacefully at home on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Born on October 18, 1939, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Claudia was the beloved daughter of Arthur and Ruth Hodgman. She married the love of her life, Richard Burgess, on October 26, 1957. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and...
Paul Johnson
Jun 20, 2025
Paul Stephen Johnson
March 3, 1957-June 20, 2025
Paul was born in Vicksburg, MI and spent his life living in the area. Though tragically injured in a car accident when he was 5 years old, Paul graduated from Vicksburg High School and later moved to Kalamazoo where he was cared for by Residential Opportunities, Inc., a supported living facility. There he had...
Ronald Lee Baas
Jun 20, 2025
Ronald Lee Baas, age 81, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Friday, June 20, 2025. He was born on March 18, 1944, in Kalamazoo to Ben and Grace (DeVries) Baas.
Ron was a hardworking and passionate man who dedicated much of his life to his craft. He began by teaching painting apprenticeships in trade...
Scott McDonald
Jun 20, 2025
Scott Lee McDonald of Shelbyville, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 64 years old.
Scott was born on July 11, 1960, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Robert and Barbara (Wondergem) McDonald Sr. He graduated from Delton Kellogg Schools and spent most of his life enjoying the beauty and community of Gun Lake.
A true...
Richard Kent
Jun 18, 2025
Richard (Dick) Kent, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 18, 2025, at his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a joyful, full-of-ideas kind of guy who wholeheartedly loved the Lord, his family and all his friends. He will be dearly missed.
Dick was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Clifford and Helen Kent on October 20, 1945. Shortly...
Gordon Hagerman
Jun 16, 2025
Gordon “Joe” Hagerman, 88, of Shelbyville, passed away on June 16, 2025, at his home. Joe was born on March 1, 1937, in Grand Rapids, MI, a son of the late Donald and Anna (Francen) Hagerman.
Joe was a pilot and loved old cars. He restored many cars and planes. He worked as an auto mechanic and was always fixing something.
Surviving...
Stacee Mattimore
Jun 15, 2025
Stacee Lynn Mattimore (née Jacobsen), age 65, passed away on June 15, 2025, in Mattawan, Michigan. Born on May 10, 1960, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Stacee lived a life marked by strength, passion, and deep love for her family.
A proud graduate of Plainwell High School's Class of 1978, Stacee pursued a higher education with determination and purpose. She earned her associate...
Eleanor DeKoekkoek
Jun 15, 2025
Eleanor DeKoekkoek, age 91, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 15, 2025. Eleanor was born on July 12, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to John and Hattie Triezenberg. A graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School, Class of 1951, she carried her faith and values into every corner of her life.
On September 20, 1957, Eleanor...
Thomas Hawkes
Jun 13, 2025
Hawkes, Thomas Steven
August 17, 1947 – June 13, 2025
Tom Hawkes, 77, of Kalamazoo passed away on June 13, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born August 17, 1947, in Richwood, West Virgina to William and Edna (nee Bragg) Hawkes. In 1965, he graduated from South Haven High School where he excelled at football and baseball, setting school records in...
Richard Marvin Clapp
Jun 12, 2025
Richard (Dick) Marvin Clapp age 92, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his bedside, just days before his 93rd birthday.
Born in Almena Township in Paw Paw, Michigan on June 20, 1932, as a very fragile premature baby, Dick grew into a very tall, strong and proud man. He was a hardworking man who spent...
Dorothy Irene Lilly
Jun 3, 2025
Dorothy Irene Lilly, a loving soul and cherished matriarch, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on January 24, 1931, in Hillier, Ontario, Canada, Dorothy brought light and warmth to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path.
She graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, MI, with the Class of 1949. In...
Myrna Jacobsen
Jun 1, 2025
Myrna, a loving mother and grandmother, 84, of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025 at Borgess Hospital surrounded by her family. Myrna was born on September 7, 1940 in South Haven, Michigan to Everett and Jennie Johnson (Lahndorf). She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, her family will forever cherish her love and support.
Myrna was known...
Diane Bishop
May 31, 2025
Diane passed away peacefully on May 31st at age 78, after battling cancer for 15 years. And she wasn’t very happy about it. She lived a good life and wanted everyone to know that she had a good time. Thanks to all those who made it possible.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be no memorial. Your kind thoughts and...
Nicolas Michael Metke
May 30, 2025
Nicolas Michael Metke, 22, U.S. Navy. Beloved son of Terrence Metke (Father) and Nancy Metke (Mother). Loving brother of Natalie. Loving grandson of Betty Matkovich. Fond nephew of; Jean Matkovich (John Ramonez), Michael Matkovich, Kenneth (Kathleen) Metke, Kathleen (Thomas) Hughes. Fond cousin of Samantha, P.J., and Sean Metke, Meghan and Erin Hughes and the late Lauren Hughes. Survived by Emily...
Marilyn Kay Brainerd
May 30, 2025
Marilyn Kay Brainerd, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on October 5, 1940, Marilyn's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, joy, and cherished memories.
A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1958. Marilyn's journey took her to General Motors, where she dedicated over...
Judy Lemon
May 28, 2025
In Loving Memory of Judy Elizabeth Sillars Lemon
1949 – 2025
Judy Sillars Lemon, 76, of Galesburg, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, March 20, 1949, the daughter of Troy and Martha (Hoff) Sillars. Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, community leader, and true adventurer who lived a...